Meet The Maker #1: Vivien Of Holloway

One of the great aspects of blogging is that it can give you the opportunity to meet some fabulous folk. Having already met Vivien of Vivien of Holloway at few events, I asked if I could interview her for the blog and thankfully, she agreed!

Background

I started buying dresses from VOH way back in 2009, while I was still at uni. Since then, I found Flo was a fellow fan (and quite a few other friends too). My sister and our best woman wore VOH to our wedding in 2013 and my mum has a few pieces as well.

In the words of VOH,

A life-long Fifties lifestyle and fashion enthusiast, Vivien began sewing vintage-style clothes for herself at a mere ten years old. At eighteen, she opened her first shop in the world famous but now sadly gone Kensington Market, selling her hand-made 1950s reproductions to fellow followers of 1950s fashions. Many satisfied customers later, we can fast forward… oh, a couple of years to 2000, when the Vivien of Holloway brand was born, and Vivien’s signature Fifties style soon took the world by storm.

The Interview

Vivien centre and fellow VOH fan Kelly

I and so many others have shopped at VOH for years. Why do you think you have such brand loyal customers?

VOH: I think because it’s from my heart and I make clothes that I actually want to wear. I’m not copying anyone – I think people appreciate that.

Vintage reproduction has really taken off over the past few years, what makes VOH stand out from the rest?

VOH: We were the first. Our clothes come from a love of vintage – we’ve not jumped on a bandwagon, which has done us well.

Diversity and representation is incredibly important to me. How does VOH create such broad appeal?

VOH: We don’t design fancy dress; our clothing is authentic and accessible for all. Our cuts are classic and the fabrics speak to a wide range of ages.

Where do you think VOH will go in the future?

VOH: I honestly don’t know. It’s already gone much further than I could have imagined.

There are many people who feel that they aren’t ‘good enough’ or that they can’t wear certain pieces of clothing. I was one of those people. What does VOH clothing do to help people break out of their comfort zone?

VOH: All women inside them have a little girl that wants to be glamorous. We’ve all watched old Hollywood movies. Sometimes people aren’t sure but they choose to come to the shop. All of our styles have been in fashion at some point in history. I make garments that are well-fitting and sexy without being overstated.

The Customers

Although I’ve shared my love of VOH in previous posts, I though it would be helpful to share other customers reasons for why they choose to wear VOH. There were so many responses – here is a small selection:

Margaret C. – I buy VOH because of best quality and best design. They are very flattering and make you look very glamorous. Awesome for jivin’ and dancing and great to wear for any occasion.

Laura W. – The fit is fabulously flattering, the cloth & tailoring is of a quality for a queen and there’s no better way to transform into a vintage vixen than to adorn yourself in a Vivien of Holloway.

Brooke M. – For me, the dresses just make you feel like a woman. My weight yo-yos but whether I fit in a VOH 20 or 24, I have that confidence knowing I look the best I can. The dresses flatter all sizes and are ageless – why shop anywhere else?

Elizabeth W. – I only found my waistline as a direct result of wearing VOH – my silhouette is invisible in modern tailoring.

Charlotte S. – Of all the vintage brands, I find VOH fits better and is more flattering than any other. The clothes are beautifully made and, unlike other brands, I don’t have to worry about seams or zips going after only one or two wears. If I have a really special occasion coming up, I tend to treat myself to a new Viv because I know that I will look my best in it.

Marion N. – I wear VOH because I just love all the designs and the quality. I know that every purchase will fit me. I struggle with self esteem and body esteem, and every time I wear my VOH pieces I feel better, I feel incredible and I feel beautiful. And I think that in the retro market, VOH is one of the most authentic in design.

Rachel H. – I wear VOH because the fit is amazing! When I wear one of my dresses I feel like I’m being transported back to that era of classic beauty and it makes me feel gorgeous!

Lottie B. I wear my Vivs to school where I’m a singing teacher. The girls in particular love them and I always get compliments! I also put all my bridesmaids in them – we had a huge range of shapes, sizes and colourings and it was great being able to put them in different styles to suit them. The shop is also amazing, the girls are lovely and customer service excellent.

Thoughts

I think the customers have said it all really! This post wasn’t sponsored – I just wrote it because I finally plucked up the courage to ask Viv for an interview and I’m also a real fan of the brand.

If you’d like to try out VOH, you should know that there is a huge 50% off sale in store from 13th – 17th April!